Grey skies loom as the rains subside somewhat just before 8am Monday. DDM says this is just the beginning. VI should expect gusty winds, flash flooding.

“We have a serious situation on our hands and we need people to pay attention to what is happening,” she told Virgin Islands News Online.

According to Ms. DaBreo, the 5am position of Hurricane Earl brings it very close to the BVI. Earl is now a Category 2 hurricane but is expected to increase to Category 3 before it reaches the Territory. Earl is forecast to be a Category 4 hurricane after it departs VI

“Because of these factors, The BVI was placed under a hurricane warning yesterday, which means we will have hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours,” she said. “As of this morning, the Territory has been experiencing squally conditions, lightening, rain and thunder. Tortola started having strong gusts of about 39mph at 7am and those winds will continue until 2am Tuesday. Peak winds at 60mph gusting to about 80, are expected to start about 4:30pm today Monday until 7pm.”

While the DDM had not heard from Jost Van Dyke as of 7am, the DDM Director said their greatest concern is for Anegada and the northern side of the BVI. For Anegada, the winds being experienced as of 5am will continue to 3am Tuesday, peaking at 60mph hurricane force winds from 11am continuing to 10pm tonight. Anegada will experience a very long period of very strong winds, maximum intensity at about 4pm today.

Ms. DaBreo said the Antigua Met Office has indicated that this system will bring a lot of rain with it and she said that is big concern for the Virgin Islands, especially as it relates to the issue of flash flooding and landslides.

She reported that the impact of the hurricane so far includes power outages in some areas since about 4/5am, fallen trees and breaking waves on the northern side of Tortola.

“We have noticed that there are still a lot of people of the roads and I am begging you to get indoors and secure your homes so that emergency operators will have uninhibited access to the roadways,  DaBreo pleaded. “We also see a lot of boats in the harbor. Please secure your vessels because sea conditions are going to start deteriorating very quickly. The DDM launched its hurricane campaign in June urging the public to get ready for a projected active 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season. You now have a very narrow window of opportunity to do that this morning. What you’re seeing now is just the beginning of the system”

New Governor His Excllency William Boyd McCleary chaired a meeting on Sunday with all departments and he indicated he was happy with the preparations so far. Click here for full audio: HE Governor McCleary

Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald also made a statement on Sunday announcing the closure of all government offices. Click here for full audio: DG V Inez Archibald